The Ultimate Guide To Hong Kong Art Week VIP Parties

Putting the art in party

How do you see everything during Hong Kong Art Week? Not sleeping might be a start, especially when the evenings are packed with VIP parties, private dinners and star-studded galas. Check out our daily rundown for all the details, and use our interactive map to find your way there.

Friday, March 17

Photo: Courtesy of SOHO 189

SOHO 189 Art Lane VIP Opening and Champagne Dinner Party

Celebrating its second anniversary, SOHO 189 is presenting exclusive previews and one-off live performances at Galerie Huit, Leo Gallery, Pearl Lam Galleries and Puerta Roja, before inviting guests to join a champagne dinner at Va Bene to celebrate the gallery's second anniversary.

The VIP Collectors Preview of the Asia Contemporary Art Show kicks off art week with a bang. Collectors mingle with curators and the artists themselves, aided by plenty of champagne and the unusual setting of the Conrad hotel—where even the bathrooms become gallery spaces.

Monday, March 20

The glitterati and literati alike descend on the Central Harbourfront for the Art Central VIP Preview which segues into the partylicious First Night.

3-9pm, Central Harbourfront, Central, Hong Kong

K11 x MoMA PS1

The K11 Art Foundation’s collaboration with New York’s MoMA PS1 opens for an exclusive preview. The exhibition, co-curated by MoMA's Klaus Biesenbach and Peter Eleey, examines art's place in an increasingly digital world.

Those who feel the need to stretch their legs will opt for the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association’s Art Gallery Night. Some 40 galleries across Hong Kong, including the Gagosian Gallery, throw open their doors to the public, with performances, exhibitions and cocktails for the community. If you’re looking to blitz the blue-chip galleries of Central, now’s a good time.

Tuesday, March 21

Photo: Courtesy of Art Basel

Art Basel Private View

It’s finally here: the invite-only Art Basel Private View kicks off the fair from 3 pm to 8 pm. This is when the real collectors get the bulk of their buying done, long before the public lays its eyes on anything.

In the evening, the lucky will have received an invite to The Peninsula’s Art Gala, where guests can view Michael Craig-Martin's Bright Idea installation.

The Peninsula, Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui

Audemars Piguet VIP After Dinner Party

The Audemars Piguet VIP Party from 9.30pm will be hosted in Zuma for a super-exclusive group of art connoisseurs.

9.30pm, Zuma, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong

Thursday, March 23

Photo: Courtesy of the Asia Society

Art Basel VIP Brunch at Para Site

While the rest of the city files into the show itself, Art Basel VIP cardholders are invited to the Art Basel VIP brunch at Para Site gallery, which will include a performance by sound artist Tarek Atoui.

Collectors, gallerists, artists, business leaders and high society descend on the JW Marriott for the Asia Society’s Asia Arts Awards. Every year the society celebrates the Asia Arts Game Changers, artists and arts professionals who have made significant contributions to contemporary arts.

6-10pm, JW Marriott, Queensway, One Pacific Place

Hong Kong Tatler x DFS Party

And of course, anyone who’s anyone will be at Hong Kong Tatler’s post-dinner party at Potato Head Hong Kong, co-sponsored by DFS. Hope you scored an invite…

11pm-late, Potato Head Hong Kong, 100 Third St, Sai Ying Pun

Friday, March 24

Photo: Courtesy of HKAGA

HKAGA Art Brunch

Still left with some energy? Impressive. Then skip the breakfast Eggs Benedict and head to the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association’s Art Brunch for another chance to get your gallery fix. With more than 40 participating galleries, you’ve got a strong chance of being sustained by art alone.

Saturday, March 25

Photo: Courtesy of amfAR

amfAR Gala

Hong Kong’s third annual amfAR Gala sees global celebs and socialites honour none other than the city’s own Pansy Ho. Chaired by Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron, the charity event’s previous auction lots have raised more than US$8 million in aid of HIV treatment in Asia.

Previous guests include Victoria Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio and Adrien Brody, and performing this year is none other than Charli XCX.